Southampton forward Leo Scienza is attracting interest from European sides Como, Atalanta, Real Betis and Real Sociedad, according to AS.
Southampton are determined to put last season behind them. Whilst Tonda Eckert is still under investigation, the club have backed him and hope to find a way to the Premier League this season, without the Championship play-offs if possible.
The hardest thing for the Saints will be keeping hold of their star players from last campaign. One of those in question, Leo Scienza, is now being looked at by European quartet Como, Atalanta, Real Betis and Real Sociedad, according to AS.
Scienza joined the south coast side last summer from German side FC Heidenheim and was a revelation. The tricky winger was an integral part of the Southampton side all season and one they do not want to lose.
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Leo Scienza is someone who Southampton can ill-afford to lose
Even prior to the appointment of Eckert, Scienza was already making an impact in the Southampton team. After the German was put in charge though, the Brazilian’s output only got better.
In his first season at St. Mary’s, the 27-year-old churned out seven goals and 10 assists, spearheading the Saints revival’ that saw them into the play-off positions. Given more freedom by his boss, Scienza thrived, being able to run at his opponents out wide, or drag them inside before using his pace and dribbling to bypass them.
Leo Scienza’s 2025/26 stats
Appearances Goals Assists
44 7 10
It is no wonder several teams are interested in the winger, with Scienza being labelled as a player Southampton would struggle to keep hold off if they failed to get promoted.
Losing the Brazilian is something they cannot afford to do if they want to be at the top of the table once more.
The Verdict: Southampton must fight to keep hold of Leo Scienza
Much was said after Spygate, including how some players would just leave Southampton. Yet, with the club backing their manager, the Saints have been able to hold firm as of late.
This alone is a reason why they need and can keep hold of Scienza. The loss of Ross Stewart has been negated by the signing of Cyle Larin permanently, whilst bringing in Lewis Dobbin gives the team another option of quality out wide.
Scienza is the X-factor that can bring all of these attacking options together. Combined with the expert passing of Finn Azaz, the 27-year-old can only flourish within this Saints team. With already steady numbers last season, the Brazilian winger can be a key part of their targeted return to the Premier League.
It is obvious Scienza wants to play at the top, like all players do, but should he stay on the south coast, he could play top flight football in red and white sooner rather than later.